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Trip Report - The IP May 7-12

Just got back tonight from 5 nites in Las Vegas. I went with friends from college. Can't really sleep now, and Jay Leno is on from Las Vegas so i'd thought I'd get my report down...

THE FLIGHTS:
Flew in on ATA out of Chicago-Midway. Both going and coming were ontime and uneventful. Although the flight going out was very warm and crowded, making the 3.5 hour flight seem even longer.

Once we landed we were greeted by Jim from Presidential Limo. As always, Presidential was great, as was Jim. I did not personally enjoy the ride as much as I was hoping too...nothing to do with Jim or Pres Limo, it was just a long day at work followed by an umcomfortable flight that kind of put a damper on things...(but that would not last long...)

IP

Check in at the IP was quick and easy. We had a room on the 18th floor overlooking the strip and Harrah's Carnival Court. The room itself was nice. It was one of the "redecorated" ones. The carpet, bedding, curtains, mattresses etc. all seemed pretty new and were in beige tones. The rooms at the IP are a tad on the small side, but given the price and location, it is had to beat! Also, the shower had great water pressure.

I really enjoyed the IP casino. The drink service was very good, and the waitresses and dealers were very friendly. I did most of my gambling at the IP playing blackjack in the Champaigne Pit (the 2 deck game is a pretty decent one, much better than the countinious shuffled shoe of the Legends Pit).

Although, I did notice that the IP casino had a bit of a "smokey-stale" smell that I really noticed after coming back from another place...I think a new air filtration system could do wonders for the place...

DINING

Seeing as how we are 3 20-somethings (26 to be exact...) there was not too much fine dining. Much of the trip was actually a liquid diet...
But, we did have some solid food:

"Teahouse Coffee Shop- IP" We ate here a few times, partaking in their late night specials ($4.95 NY Steak and Eggs, $4.25 Prime Rib, $4.95 Ham steak and $2.95 biscuits and gravy.) The food was pretty good, and the price is hard to beat. I think this is one of the overlooked dining bargains of the strip.

"Embers- IP" This was our one "nice" dinner. Overall, the food was very good and reasonaly priced. The 3 of us has steak and a drink with dinner and the tab was about $30 or so each. I'd eat here again. The only drawback was that we had reservations for 8:00, but did not get seated until almost 8:30. I could see if the place was crowded, but i was not... Oh well... as we waited we played some video blackjack up by the bar in the lounge area just outside the restaurant. Had a few drinks on the house and won a few bucks.

"Monte Carlo Buffet"... Mostly traditional american fare with Asian, Italian, and Mexican selections. The food was very good.

"Harrah's Buffet"... We were all disappointed with this Buffet. Selection was OK, but the food was nothng special. I had $5 off coupons, and don't think I'd go back even with coupons.

"Bellagio Buffet"... Very good. This had become somewhat of a tradition. Everytime I have been to Vegas there has been a trip to the Bellagio Buffet.

"PF Changs-Aladdin"... The food here was good. It is a chain with a few here in Chicago. Nothing extraordianry. However, when it comes to Chinese food I am kind of spoiled given I do not live too far from Chicago's Chinatown.

It's about time to call it a night...
More to come:
NY NY Paino Bar
Harrah's Carnival Court
The drink of choice
Who's For hire?